tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40365418865209913972024-03-13T10:38:12.562-05:00St. Johns RiverkeeperSt. Johns Riverkeeper is a privately-funded nonprofit advocacy organization for the St. Johns River.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-42885175429867244822009-07-28T20:42:00.009-05:002009-07-28T21:07:48.760-05:00The Green Monster ReturnsThe following photos were all taken by Dr. Gerry Pinto, a research scientist with JU's Marine Science Research Institute. Thanks Gerry for allowing us to post these unbelievable aerial photos.<br /><br />North of the mouth of Cunningham Creek in the St. Johns:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-qJSLP_ZI/AAAAAAAAARY/y3hrfOpQaOQ/s1600-h/Nr+Cunningham+Ck.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-qJSLP_ZI/AAAAAAAAARY/y3hrfOpQaOQ/s400/Nr+Cunningham+Ck.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363692757696118162" /></a><br /><br />San Marco:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-stGDrukI/AAAAAAAAAR4/g1v4p97hwN4/s1600-h/San+Marco.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-stGDrukI/AAAAAAAAAR4/g1v4p97hwN4/s400/San+Marco.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363695571941702210" /></a><br /><br />South of the Buckman Bridge:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-rdkPPJ5I/AAAAAAAAARo/XqjsVhW5TMg/s1600-h/SofBuckmanEast.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-rdkPPJ5I/AAAAAAAAARo/XqjsVhW5TMg/s400/SofBuckmanEast.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363694205653690258" /></a><br /><br />The Bolles School dock:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-r_FMlbgI/AAAAAAAAARw/_fXulr_AGAY/s1600-h/Bolles+School+dock.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/Sm-r_FMlbgI/AAAAAAAAARw/_fXulr_AGAY/s400/Bolles+School+dock.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363694781436620290" /></a><br /><br />Remember that these algae blooms are a symptom of a sick river. Our St. Johns is polluted with too many nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) from wastewater, fertilizers, and stormwater runoff. The algae blooms can be harmful to aquatic vegetation and wildlife and sometimes even to human health. <br /><br />More to come on this developing story.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-38647998279533074162008-10-20T14:03:00.005-05:002009-07-27T15:07:14.433-05:00Yankee Lake Ends with Little Fanfare-Decision LaterI apologize for leaving you hanging last week. <br /><br />After the hearing ended Thursday, I drove home and intended to post that night. Unfortunately, I felt a cold coming on and just didn’t feel well. Planned to post Friday, but I was laid up in bed Friday and Saturday. Rested yesterday, and I am back at the office today.<br /><br />Today, I will try and wrap up the hearing—well, up to this point anyway. As you will learn, the ending remains to be written. <br /><br />Last Thursday, the hearing ended, but not before Seminole County and the SJRWMD both presented rebuttal witnesses. I believe our attorneys did a good job of rebuffing this testimony. And that was it’ no closing arguments or statements. After three weeks it all ends rather quietly. <br /><br />The parties agreed that the proposed recommended order, or PRO, will be filed by December 8th. A PRO is a legal document that each side submits to the judge, in effect, to state how they believed the hearing went down, i.e., based upon the evidence and testimony, how the judge should rule. (NOTE: this is my take; I’m not an attorney). <br /><br />For SJRK, we believe our case proved that the withdrawals would cause harm to the St. Johns, would negatively impact our members’ use and enjoyment of the river, and Seminole County could meet its reuse needs WITHOUT removing water from the St. Johns. <br /><br />The judge will review the PROs, exhibits, testimony and make his decision. At this time, I don’t have a timetable for the ruling. So, we all just need to sit tight and continue our opposition to the misguided withdrawals. Believe me there are many other communities and utilities watching the Yankee Lake case. The threats to the river will not end with this one ruling, regardless of the outcome.<br /><br />I’ve been asked what we have gained by this struggle.<br /><br />First, SJRK’s mission is to stand and defend the St. Johns from those who seek to harm it. I can honestly say we have done the very best we could to do just that. Thanks to the community’s support, both emotional and financial, we presented a compelling case against the withdrawal of water from, the St. Johns.<br /><br />We exposed how little thought the SJRWMD put toward the Yankee Lake permit decision. One of the most remarkable pieces of testimony came from the SRJWMD staff person who drafted the Yankee Lake permit. He testified that he did the cumulative impact analysis for this permit in his head. Unbelievable.<br /><br />During the course of the hearing, the SJRWMD finally admitted something SJRK has been saying for 18 months. Removing water from the river WILL increase the potential for algae blooms AND increase the length of time blooms exist in the river. As I mentioned in previous blogs, had SJRK NOT challenged the Yankee Lake Permit, no additional science would have been completed by the SJRWMD and the Yankee Lake permit would be fait acompli.<br /><br />Our next challenge is to continue to monitor and question the science that is now being completed as part of the reanalysis.<br /><br />So, that’s it-- my last blog on the administrative hearing. Hope it kept you up to date and informed you about this important, no historic, happening.<br /><br />I’ll end with some exciting news about a new program SJRK has developed. It’s called <strong>My St. Johns River</strong>, and it is an education and awareness campaign to facilitate personal connections with the St. Johns and to provide you with tools to “get to know” your river. <br /><br />The goal of the My St. Johns River campaign is to foster a greater sense of awareness, appreciation and understanding of the river and to ultimately provide inspiration and opportunities for you to get out and experience your St. Johns firsthand. <br /><br />Check it out at <a href="http://www.mystjohnsriver.com/">WWW.mystjohnsriver.com</a><br /><br />Thanks for everything.<br /><br />For the River,<br />Neil <br /><em>Your</em> St. Johns RiverkeeperSt. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-36602049547845606642008-10-16T17:45:00.003-05:002009-07-27T15:07:37.582-05:00Hearing Ended Today--Our Case RecapI apologize for the delay in blogging. Yesterday, I spent all day at the hearing, and then had to drive back to Jacksonville for a fund raising event. Thanks to Helen Lane for hosting a gathering at her beautiful house on the St. Johns. It was nice to spend some time on the river, especially after spending almost three weeks in a stark, government building.<br /><br />Well, today was the last day. SJRK rested its case yesterday. Our witnesses did well. We presented Dr. John Wolschlager from Arizona State University who testified that he believed Seminole County had used incorrect numbers in developing their reuse water supply plan. Basically, John, and others believe there is no need for Seminole to remove water from the St. Johns to augment their reuse water needs. Water conservation can produce the water the county needs for reuse and protect the river.<br /><br />Understand this, Seminole County’s obsession with removing water from the rivers has never been about augmenting reuse—they want to take water from the river for profit. They do not give a damn about the St. Johns River; the river provides them a cheap source of water. The structure they propose to build will be able to remove 10 times their predicted needs of 5.5 MGD. It’s simple, they want sell water; the 5.5 MGD permit is a scam.<br /><br />By the way, Seminole officials have criticized north Florida communities for not having meaningful water conservation plans like the ones they have in place. FACT (from testimony): Southwest(?) Seminole County’s per capita water use is 217 GPD --almost 40% larger than per capita average water use in the SJRWMD. Can you say hypocrite? <br /><br />Our next witness was Dr. Quinton White. You make remember Dr. White was one of the first experts who challenged the SJRWMD’s plan to take water from the St. Johns River. Quint has been studying the river for over 30 years, and testified eloquently about the current impaired state of the river, and additional risks from water withdrawal.<br /><br />Next up was Dr. Mark Luther, a marine biologist from the faculty of the University of South Florida. Dr. Luther testified that the model used to predict salinity changes caused by the proposed withdrawals have been underestimated because of dynamic salinity stratification occurs n the lower St. Johns River. He testified that removing even small amounts of freshwater from the river could cause significant salinity changes far upstream.<br /><br />Our final witness was Robin Lewis a wetland ecologist. Robin testified about the impairment of the River and specific ecosystems. He presented evidence that flow to the river have been declining for decades. He stated flow from the Ocklawaha River, the River’s largest tributary, has declined by almost 50%. He also testified about impacts to the River’s Ell Grass beds from increasing salinities. Robin believes the salinity studies are "fatally flawed"<br /><br />Speaking of declining flows in the river. When SJRK first challenged the SJRWMD's dangerous idea of removing freshwater from the St. Johns, they noted that 12 million gallons per day (MGD) has been removed from the river for decades, and the river has not shown harm. Later, the SJRWMD noted that, lo and behold, they determined that 29 MGD) was being removed from the St Johns. Shortly after that admission, District staff estimated over 30 MGD was being removed from the river.<br /><br />During the hearing, District staff TESTIFIED they now estimate almost 60 MGD is being removed from the St. Johns every day. Why does this matter?<br /><br />When the SJRWMD determined how much water could be removed for the river safely, i.e., the MFLs, the 60 MGD removal was never considered. The only reason the district bothered to compute this data was for the purposes of this hearing. <br /><br />In fact, more science about water withdrawals has been generated by this hearing and the public’s outcry for an objective analysis than before the SJRWMD recommended approval of the Yankee Lake Permit!<br /><br />One thing is evident. Our challenge of this permit has clearly shown the District did not fully consider the full environmental impacts of this permit and did not have sufficient information on which to base a permit decision. Need evidence to support my conclusion?<br /><br />Last week the District staff person who drafted the Yankee Lake permit testified that he did the cumulative impact analysis, i.e., the deliberation on all the environmental impacts AND potential environmental impacts of the proposed Yankee Lake river withdrawals on the health of the St. Johns River, <strong>IN HIS HEAD</strong>. <br /><br />Think about that. One of the most controversial decisions facing the SJRWMD in decades, and one of the more important analyses involving this permit was not written down. A staff person did it in his head. Incredible.<br /><br />And the SJRWMD asks why the public has lost trust in the agency?<br /><br />More Later. I'll wrap up the last day's action, tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks for your support. It means a great deal.<br /><br />Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, I remain,<br /><br />Neil A. Armingeon<br />Your St. Johns RiverkeeperSt. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-34401158895801154672008-10-13T12:54:00.003-05:002009-07-27T15:07:48.752-05:00Positive Happenings at the HearingHappy Monday,<br /><br />Hello from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJRK</span> Office. It's good to be home for a couple of days. The Hearing starts again on Wednesday. The hearing will END by this Friday; the judge is adamant about that, and he runs the show.<br /><br />Yesterday, I mentioned that I felt the momentum in the case has shifted toward the end of last week. I just wanted to follow-up on that thought with some detail.<br /><br />Most of the week was spent listening to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SJRWMD</span> staff testify how they reached the decision to recommend approval for the Yankee Lake Project to remove 5.5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MGD</span> from the St. Johns River (project can exceed 11 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MGD</span>). There was much discussion about modelling, technical analysis, salinity changes, etc., etc.<br /><br />Wednesday afternoon the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SJRWMD</span> staff person who DRAFTED the Yankee Lake Permit testified under oath that he did the cumulative impact analysis in "his head". There was nothing put on paper.<br /><br />My testimony went fine. Seminole County's attorney tried to impeach me with an out of context statement from my first deposition, and the judge stopped him and ended the question. After that, the attorney's seemed to lose steam. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">SJRWMD's</span> 4 attorney's had no questions!<br /><br />The final witness for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SJRWMD</span> was very telling. After stating water withdrawals will not have any impact on algae blooms, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SJRWMD</span> did a 180 and announced withdrawals WOULD increase <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">alagal</span> growth potential, i.e, blooms will last longer!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SJRK</span> has been stating this for the past 18 months; withdrawals will exacerbate blooms and will increase their occurrences in the lower river.<br /><br />The District announced they are requiring Seminole County to mitigate these impacts. While it is nice to hear the district change their story, our position has not changed--we are against Yankee Lake withdrawal. Regardless of this last minute admission.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to this week. We present our case. I'll save the details until after the fact.<br /><br />Needless to say, I'm encouraged by what has happened and know Ken and Michael will do a good job.<br /><br />Keep the faith.<br /><br />Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. <br /><br />For the River,<br /><br />Neil<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Your</span> St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-33467716893230802792008-10-12T10:07:00.003-05:002009-07-27T15:08:00.704-05:00A Good Week For the St. JohnsHello Friend of the St. Johns<br /><br />Sorry about the delay in posting. It was a very long week which ended with my testimony and cross examination. I need some time to decompress. This is hard, but we ended the week on high note.<br /><br />First, let me say again how much I appreciate our attorneys, Ken Wright and Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Howle</span>. I cannot begin to describe how much time they are putting in on this case. They spend many late hour's preparing for the tremendous amounts of witnesses put on the stand by Seminole County and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SJRWMD</span>. They read depositions well into the early morning hours, and they are sitting in the hearing the next day @8:30 AM ready to do battle.<br /><br /> This hearing is one of the greatest experiences of my almost 20-year career of working for environmental organizations. It is an honor to be a small part of this historical event.<br /><br />Honors are due,too, to Jacksonville's attorneys, Sean Frazier and Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Teel</span>, and St' Johns County's team of Patrick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McCormack</span> and Regina(forgive me Regina, I forgot your last name). Our side is really working together well, and it is great to be part of this effort. <br /><br />I'll end by saying the last part of the week went extremely well for the St. Johns River. I need to go do some yard work. Stay tuned. Later today, I'll post a blow-by-blow and why I believe we have a real chance to win the case.<br /><br />Thanks for your support.<br /><br />For the River<br /><br />Neil<br />Your St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-14939449141824149162008-10-10T04:31:00.002-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.151-05:00The River Finally Speaks!Good Friday Morning,<br /><br />After hours of testimony by paid consultants and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJRWMD</span> staff, Seminole County and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SJRWMD</span> have rested their cases--well almost. The district is negotiating a new permit condition for the proposed Yankee Lake permit with Seminole. <br /><br />This action stems from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SJRWMD</span> admission that removing water from the river will increase the algal growth potential causing algae blooms to last longer.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Riverkeeper</span> has been stating the obvious for over 18 months; removing water causes more residence time making algae blooms last longer.<br /><br />In any event, less this situation the hearing finally turns to those defending the river, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SJRK</span>, St. John County, and Jacksonville. Finally, the "rest of the story."<br /><br />Jan Brewer, Director of Environmental Services for St. Johns County (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">SJS</span>), testified yesterday afternoon. She was great! Those of you from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SJC</span> should be very proud; she represented he river and your interests very well.<br /><br />This morning, Jacksonville, presents two of their witnesses, and then, its showtime for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SJRK</span>. I testify this afternoon. I've been preparing for the last couple of nights, and I am confident things will go well.<br /><br />I will tell the judge about the real St. Johns River--the beautiful, important body of water that means so much to all of us. Sadly the others side rarely if ever mentions the river in any terms other than millions of gallons of available water. That changes today!<br /><br />Knowing you are all with me will make my job easier.<br /><br />Today, the River finally gets her say!<br /><br />I'll post later to let you know how things went.<br /><br />Keep the Faith.<br /><br />For the River,<br /><br />Neil<br /><em>Your </em>St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-3985706829747911482008-10-09T06:20:00.003-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.151-05:00Quck Update From SanfordGood Morning,<br /><br />Forgive me for failing to post in the last several days. Things are very hectic--that's an understatement. Also, Internet connections that allow me to log on to the blog are not always available.<br /><br />We've had a couple of good days. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJRWMD</span> has been putting on their case, and that will continue until this afternoon. St. Johns County presents its witness today. Tomorrow, Jacksonville present some of their witnesses, and it looks like I'll go tomorrow afternoon. That means I've got a lot of work ahead of me to prepare. <br /><br />Its remarkable what we've learned during this process. Its clear the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">District</span> made the decision to remove water from rivers without fully considering the alternatives.<br /><br />Yesterday, the permit writer for the proposed Yankee Lake withdrawal testified <strong>he did a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cumulative</span> impact <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">analysis</span> for the Seminole County's project in HIS HEAD.</strong> He did not write anything down; he just worked through it in his head. I don't know whether we should be angry or scared.<br /><br />Got to run. I'll get something out tonight.<br /><br />Thanks for your support, and in some cases prayers. We all the help we can get.<br /><br />For the River,<br /><br />Neil<br /><em>Your </em>St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-31479762902958549572008-10-06T17:56:00.002-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.151-05:00A New Week Begins in SanfordGreetings from Sanford,<br /><br />First things first. <br /><br />Below, is a link to an essay/blog from St. Johns River Champion, Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Belleville</span>, on his thoughts about the administrative hearing in Sanford. Bill, a Seminole County resident, captures<br />the events far more eloquently than I ever could. It's a very powerful read. <br /><br /><a href="http://floridanature.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/i-should-have-listened-to-ed-abbey/" target="_blank">http://floridanature.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/i-should-have-listened-to-ed-abbey/</a><br /><br />Today, Seminole County rested its case. An expert testified the county has spent ~$2.4 million +/- to intervene in this case. There are more surprises ahead from SC , but I'll hold my cards close to the vest.<br /><br />Tomorrow,the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SJRWMD</span> begins their case. I believe they have 5-7 witnesses, and I'm not sure when they will rest. Remember, us, the taxpayers, are paying the District to put on this case. The irony in ANY <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">administrative</span> case is the fact that we pay the regulatory agencies to litigate (against us) and THEN, citizens have to raise funds to pay for our attorneys. Anyway, I know Ken and Michael will do a good job during the cross examinations.<br /><br />Next up, Jacksonville will call their witnesses, then St. Johns County, and finally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SJRK</span> bats last. We could begin Friday or perhaps next <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wednesday</span>.<br /><br />Thanks for your support. I'll talk to you tomorrow.<br /><br />For the River,<br /><br />Neil<br /><em>Your</em> St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-81571034130049200072008-10-04T08:26:00.002-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.151-05:00First Week EndsGood Morning,<br /><br />I apologize for not posting for the last two days. I drove to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gainesville</span> Thursday night, and the motel I was staying in did not have Internet access. <br /><br />Friday morning, I spoke to a conference on water and art yesterday at Santa Fe Community College. Thanks to Mallory O'Connor, author Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Belleville</span> , and a great audience, for an inspiring morning.<br /><br />I need to change my reporting style somewhat until I have time to speak with our attorneys.<br /><br />You may remember, the judge invoked the rule, and that ruling prevented other witnesses from sitting in the courtroom hearing testimony. Hence, my blog may need to describe events more generally to honor the judge's intentions. I'll clear this up this weekend.<br /><br />Generally, I fell okay about the first three days. I believe we were successful in challenging Seminole County's expert witnesses in several cases. I'll leave it at that. I was not in attendance on Friday, so I won't speculate. I will be present for the remaining days of the hearing <br /><br />Seminole's case continues Monday and Tuesday,and then the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SJRWMD</span> begins to present its case. It looks like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SJRK</span>, Jacksonville, and St. Johns County will be presenting our cases starting next Friday.<br /><br />We have t0 be patient; our day will come.<br /><br />Keep the faith.<br /><br />For the River,<br /><br />Neil<br /><em>Your </em>St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-41423718929855691902008-10-01T18:49:00.005-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.151-05:00Hello From the FrontHello Friend Of the River,<br /><br />I'm here in Sanford at the administrative hearing, and this is my first report on today's happening.<br /><br />Let me be clear; this is going to be a real fight. We're facing an army of attorneys. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJRWMD</span> has 2-3, and Seminole County has 2 and a team of witnesses. Seminole is presenting their case first, and it may take until early next week to complete their testimony. Then, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SJRWMD</span> presents their case, and finally, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Riverkeeper</span> and the City will present our cases.<br /><br />Our Administrative Law Judge is Judge Johnston. We had an early victory today when the Judge ruled the witnesses could not sit in the courtroom during the entire trial. SC and the<br />SJR<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WMD</span> could allow their witnesses hear all the testimonies and prepare accordingly. We cannot afford to have our witnesses stay the entire time. The ruling evens the odds somewhat.<br /><br />Our lead attorney, Ken Wright, was very good today in cross examinations. Tomorrow, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Riverkeeper</span> attorney <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Michael</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Howle</span> will handle the cross. They have spent countless hours in the past weeks preparing for this hearing. We owe then a great deal of gratitude.<br /><br />Finally, I want to thank the folks who turned out to show support, today. River Champion, Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Belleville</span>, was welcome sight as were Michelle Thatcher, Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Belflower</span>, Deborah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Schaffer</span>, Steve Barnes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Vikie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Desormier</span>. Thanks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ya'll</span>!!!<br /><br />That's it for tonight. I'll file something tomorrow night.<br /><br />Keep the faith!<br /><br />For the River<br /><br />Neil<br /><em>Your </em>St. Johns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Riverkeeper</span>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-35223402186209843152008-09-30T10:22:00.004-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.151-05:00The River's Future Rests in Sanford<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SOJEjJGpPcI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/YKf6WIoxe74/s1600-h/Neil%27s+photos+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251835485997317570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SOJEjJGpPcI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/YKf6WIoxe74/s400/Neil%27s+photos+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello Friends of the St. Johns, </div><div> </div><div>Tomorrow the administrative hearing on the Yankee Lake permit begins. The hearing goes October 1 through the 3rd, October 6th through the 10th, and resumes, if necessary, October 16-17th. I will be attending the hearing each day, save a few, and will be posting a recap each night on the St. Johns Riverkeeper blog.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Our challenge is to the SJRWMD's recommended issuance of a permit to allow Seminole County to remove 5.5 million gallons per day (MGD) from the St. Johns River. But, our fight goes well beyond the SJRWMD legal staff. </div><div> </div><div>Seminole County intervened, and frankly, they are driving the case. We're facing a tough battle; Seminole County is spending over $2 million to push the Yankee Lake permit through. They have listed 30 witnesses and 1,100 exhibits! Despite this display of money, political influence, and power, I'm feeling optimistic about our chances. </div><div> </div><div>Riverkeeper has two excellent attorneys, Riverkeeper Counsel, Michael Howle, and local attorney Ken Wright. They both deserve our thanks for long hours and dedication as they prepare our case. We also have some excellent expert witnesses who will help us make our case against the proposed water withdrawal. </div><div> </div><div>Thanks go to Jacksonville and St. Johns County for sticking with their individual challenges to the permit. Specifically, I want to thank Mayor Peyton and the City Council for recognizing the importance of this case and directing the city's legal efforts. Thanks, too, to Chairman Tom Manuel and his fellow commissioners in St. Johns County. We're all in this together.</div><div> </div><div>We've already made progress on this issue. Two weeks ago, the SJRWMD convened a panel of experts to objectively review the potential impacts from withdrawing hundreds of millions of gallons of freshwater each day from the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers. This group has some world class scientists aboard to review, and in some cases, collect data, to truly evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed withdrawals. The results of this reanalysis will then be reviewed by a panel convened by the National Academy of Science.</div><div> </div><div><strong>None of this would have happened without Riverkeeper, other groups, and countless citizens who have challenged the SJRWMD's misguided proposal to remove freshwater from our rivers to continue unsustainable growth in Orlando and Central Florida</strong>. </div><div> </div><div>Our voices and actions forced the District to conduct the type of research that should have been completed before any permit to withdraw water from the river was considered. This is real progress. Thank you. </div><div> </div><div>The withdrawal issue has also cemented real relationships between citizens up and down the St. Johns River. I want to thank Friends of the Wekiva, the Sierra Club, the Seminole Audubon, and countless citizens in central Florida who oppose water withdrawals and want to see real, meaningful, water conservation programs in their counties and cities. Special thanks go out to Peggy Belflower for all her hard work.</div><div> </div><div>The withdrawal battle begun a statewide debate on the future of water use in Florida. We all must be active in this debate--Our river's futures depend on it. </div><div> </div><div>I'll keep you posted on the hearing through this blog. Please share it with your family and friends. If you would like mto attend the hearing contact the Riverkeeper office for directions. I'd love to see friendly faces. </div><div> </div><div>Thanks for all your help and support. It means a great deal to me. </div><div> </div><div>For the River, </div><div> </div><div>Neil</div><div><em>Your</em> St. Johns Riverkeeper </div>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-26028713019120506922008-08-19T11:16:00.003-05:002009-07-27T15:09:38.973-05:00State of the River Report<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKry6q3-duI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/nTbKLscMKbw/s1600-h/Logo+SJRreport.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236264606527026914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKry6q3-duI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/nTbKLscMKbw/s400/Logo+SJRreport.png" border="0" /></a> <div>An exciting project was recently announced that unfortunately did not get the attention that is certainly deserves.<br /><br />The first annual <strong><em>State of the River Report for the Lower St. Johns River Basin</em></strong> was released by a team of academic researchers from Jacksonville University and University of North Florida. The project was funded primarily by the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board.<br /><br />St. Johns Riverkeeper initiated this project a few years ago and then turned it over to JU and UNF to complete.<br /><br />We believe that this report is a valuable tool in evaluating the health of our river and in determining what must be done to restore the St. Johns.<br /><br />We commend all of the researchers and individuals who worked so diligently on this important project.<br /><br />Please, take the time to go to the River Report website and learn more about the health of your St. Johns River.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sjrreport.com/home">http://www.sjrreport.com/home</a></div>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-36373151345637803932008-08-19T10:18:00.004-05:002008-08-19T10:58:37.467-05:00IF YOU DON'T KNOW JOE, YOU DON'T KNOW DIRT.<blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKrknNBx3EI/AAAAAAAAAJs/4Db8v6tj9Tg/s1600-h/Rivertown+8.14.08+-+2"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKrknNBx3EI/AAAAAAAAAJs/4Db8v6tj9Tg/s1600-h/Rivertown+8.14.08+-+2"></blockquote></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236248878934776898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKrknNBx3EI/AAAAAAAAAJs/4Db8v6tj9Tg/s400/Rivertown+8.14.08+-+2" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKrkg-KXDLI/AAAAAAAAAJk/NxvWknX5mhc/s1600-h/Rivertown+8.14.08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236248771865021618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SKrkg-KXDLI/AAAAAAAAAJk/NxvWknX5mhc/s400/Rivertown+8.14.08.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well, St. Joe is up to their old tricks. They have muddied the creeks at their Rivertown development, once again. Not too long ago, St. Joe was fined over $40,000 by the St. Johns River Water Management District for water quality violations that resulted from faulty sediment controls, allowing construction-site runoff to enter the fragile creeks that flow through their property along SR 13. This is unacceptable, especially when they consistently claim to be such an environmentally-responsible company.<br /><br />Here is an excerpt from their website:<br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><p>At The St. Joe Company, conservation is more than a philosophy; it is a science we study and a practice we employ.<br /></p><p>Today’s company is carefully, purposely walking a tightrope.<br />The challenge is filling the obvious need for homes, business and the<br />infrastructure to connect them -- while at the same time maintaining the natural<br />allure that draws folks to Northwest Florida in the first place.</p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;">I guess they fell off their tightrope.</span></p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-89874580702226942772008-08-08T14:00:00.003-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.152-05:00Weavers Announce Challenge Grant<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SJ7l1jvagyI/AAAAAAAAAJc/6t1jUO0ZpK4/s1600-h/Wayne+Weaver.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232872525341033250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SJ7l1jvagyI/AAAAAAAAAJc/6t1jUO0ZpK4/s400/Wayne+Weaver.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SJ37TeTmyCI/AAAAAAAAAJU/fMHwkDn8U4M/s1600-h/Delores+weaver+press+event.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232614654045767714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SJ37TeTmyCI/AAAAAAAAAJU/fMHwkDn8U4M/s400/Delores+weaver+press+event.jpg" border="0" /></a> J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars, have awarded a challenge grant of up to $150,000 to St. Johns Riverkeeper. The matching gift will help the organization to raise awareness about threats to the health of the St. Johns and to legally challenge plans in central Florida to withdraw millions of gallons a day from the river.<br /><br />The Weavers will donate one dollar for every two dollars that St. Johns Riverkeeper raises for its St. Johns River Awareness and Legal Fund up to $150,000. Neil Armingeon, the St. Johns Riverkeeper, stated that “the incredible generosity and support of the Weavers will enable us to raise the funds and acquire the resources necessary to defend and protect the health of the St. Johns River. This also sends a powerful message that the citizens and business leaders who love the river are not going to just stand idly by and allow the St. Johns River Water Management District and some public officials in central Florida to proceed with their short-sighted and irresponsible plans to take millions of gallons a day from the flow of the St. Johns River without a fight.“<br /><br />“Wayne and I are deeply concerned about the plans to withdraw millions of gallons of water from the St. Johns and the potential harm that this could cause to our river,” said Delores Barr Weaver. “We absolutely love the river and recognize how important it is to Jacksonville’s economy and quality of life. We cannot just stand on the sidelines and allow Central Florida to gamble with its future. As a result, we have decided to get behind St. Johns Riverkeeper and their efforts to raise awareness about the threats facing our St. Johns and their legal challenge of the water withdrawal plans.”<br /><br />As a result of years of poor planning, uncontrolled growth, and wasteful water-use practices, Central Florida communities are reaching the limits of their groundwater resources and are anxiously pursuing alternative water supply sources. Many of these communities are looking to the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River (a major tributary of the St. Johns) to solve their water supply problems.<br /><br />Seminole County is the first to submit a permit under the Alternative Water Supply (AWS) program to withdraw surface water from the St. Johns River. The proposed Yankee Lake project would withdraw an average of 5.5 million gallons per day but could exceed 11million gallons per day (MGD) during periods of high demand. However, Seminole County officials plan to eventually withdraw up to 80 MGD at the Yankee Lake facility. All of the withdrawal projects under consideration would result in a total of up to 300 million gallons per day being extracted from the St. Johns.<br /><br />In February of this year, St. Johns Riverkeeper filed for an administrative hearing to challenge the permit application from Seminole County. The hearing is tentatively scheduled to take place in October.<br /><br />“This is not simply a ‘water war’ between two different regions. This is also not only about stopping Seminole County from taking our water. We are advocating for a paradigm shift and a whole new approach to how we use water, how we manage water, and how we protect our water resources for this and future generations. The ultimate goal is a sustainable Florida where we have clean and healthy waterways and an adequate supply of groundwater to sustain our needs. We can have both, but we will need the resolve and political will to do so,” explains Armingeon.<br /><br />You can donate on our website at <a href="http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/makeadonation.asp">http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/makeadonation.asp</a></div>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-25134379701767108762008-07-29T11:05:00.003-05:002008-07-29T11:25:01.338-05:00Coming to an Aquifer Near You<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SI8_ykKksvI/AAAAAAAAAJM/lSOKpdvsD8M/s1600-h/niagara+products.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228467830334468850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SI8_ykKksvI/AAAAAAAAAJM/lSOKpdvsD8M/s400/niagara+products.png" border="0" /></a> On August 12th, the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) will vote on a permit application from California-based Niagara Bottling to withdraw 484,000 gallons of groundwater a day from the aquifer. Recently, the SJRWMD staff recommended that the permit be approved, and the Governing Board rarely goes against staff recommendations. <br /><br />However, the Governing Board may not have a chance to vote if Lake County, Groveland, and Clermont follow through and file for an adminstrative hearing to challenge the permit application, as they have indicated that they might do. <br /><br />Orange County Commissioner Teresa Jacobs sent a memo to Mayor Rich Crotty asking about the possibility of providing support to Lake County. Jacobs said, "Can anyone expect citizens across Central Florida to take water conservation seriously if the SJRWMD approves a permit for a private company to pull millions of gallons of water from the aquifer to bottle and sell throughout the country?"<br /><br />Here is the contact information for the <strong>SJRWMD Governing Board</strong> members, so that you can let them know what you think about the permit. <br /><br />David G. Graham, Chairman <a title="mailto:dgraham@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:dgraham@sjrwmd.com">dgraham@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Susan N. Hughes, Vice Chairman <a title="mailto:shughes@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:shughes@sjrwmd.com">shughes@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Ann T. Moore, Secretary <a title="mailto:amoore@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:amoore@sjrwmd.com">amoore@sjrwmd.com</a><br />W. Leonard Wood, Treasurer <a title="mailto:lwood@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:lwood@sjrwmd.com">lwood@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Douglas C. Bournique <a title="mailto:dbournique@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:dbournique@sjrwmd.com">dbournique@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Michael Ertel <a title="mailto:mertel@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:mertel@sjrwmd.com">mertel@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Hersey “Herky” Huffman <a title="mailto:hhuffman@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:hhuffman@sjrwmd.com">hhuffman@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Arlen N. Jumper <a title="mailto:ajumper@sjrwmd.com" href="mailto:ajumper@sjrwmd.com">ajumper@sjrwmd.com</a><br />Hans G. Tanzler III <a href="mailto:htanzler@sjrwmd.com">htanzler@sjrwmd.com</a>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-30364116370899351992008-07-26T09:08:00.004-05:002008-07-26T09:29:26.740-05:00Less is Best<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIswN_rJYHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/q7j5xxGCewE/s1600-h/do+not+feed+algae.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227324809482428530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIswN_rJYHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/q7j5xxGCewE/s400/do+not+feed+algae.bmp" border="0" /></a> This past week, the Jacksonville City Council passed both an irrigation ordinance and a fertilizer ordinance. The new irrigation legislation will limit watering of lawns and shrubs to twice a week and designate assigned days of the week for households and businesses. The fertilizer ordinance will limit the amount of fertilizer that can be applied on an annual basis and will require buffers along waterways where fertilizer can't be applied.<br /><br />Although these ordinances are certainly not perfect and will definitely not solve all of our water use and fertilizer runoff issues, they are a good start. Hopefully, they will serve as tool to educate homeowners and businesses about the importance of conserving water and how to responsibly apply fertilizers to our lawns. Let's face it; we use an excessive amount of water (over 50% of our water is used for irrigation) and many people frequently apply far more fertilizer than is necessary. We have to start taking significant measures to curb our excesses and live more sustainably. Our river is sick, and we are reaching the limits of our aquifer, the source of over 90% of the drinking water in this state. This unfortunate situation will only get worse if we don't do something now to address the causes of these problems. These ordinances represent a first step in that direction for Jacksonville.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-5472347191924257192008-07-18T12:32:00.005-05:002008-07-18T12:51:27.802-05:00Muddy Waters<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIDW-slrG-I/AAAAAAAAAI8/6ZenOLY7-Ow/s1600-h/McCoys+Creek-3+7.17.08.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224411940359183330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIDW-slrG-I/AAAAAAAAAI8/6ZenOLY7-Ow/s400/McCoys+Creek-3+7.17.08.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIDW33ptEcI/AAAAAAAAAI0/1ig2g-DKq_w/s1600-h/McCoys+Creek-+2+7.17.08.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224411823069794754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIDW33ptEcI/AAAAAAAAAI0/1ig2g-DKq_w/s400/McCoys+Creek-+2+7.17.08.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIDUY25QPdI/AAAAAAAAAIs/CkgFRKS9BBY/s1600-h/McCoy%27s+Creek+7.18.08.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224409091267378642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SIDUY25QPdI/AAAAAAAAAIs/CkgFRKS9BBY/s400/McCoy%27s+Creek+7.18.08.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div>These photos were taken yesterday by Christopher Ball, a St. Johns Riverkeeper Board member. Neil Armingeon, the Riverkeeper, responded, trying to locate the source of the sediment. Unfortunately, it was difficult to pinpoint the culprits with absolute certainty. However, there is some reason to believe that it may have come from a Department of Transportation road project. The City of Jacksonville is still investigating the incident. We'll keep you posted about what we find out about this unfortunate situation.</div><div></div></div>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-18563051260314795942008-06-23T13:39:00.002-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.152-05:00Let's Get Ready to RumbleAs you may recall, St. Johns Riverkeeper filed for an administrative hearing to challenge the permit application by Seminole County to withdraw 5.5 million gallons of water a day at its proposed Yankee Lake facility for irrigation purposes.<br /><br />In the meantime, many of the counties, cities, and utilities in Central Florida have been attempting to intervene on the side of Seminole County. As a result, St. Johns Riverkeeper filed motions to dismiss the petitions filed by the Tohopekaliga Water Authority (Toho), Osceola County, City of Cocoa and City of Sanford to intervene. Last Friday, the Adminstrative Law Judge assigned to the case dismissed the petitions to intervene by Tohopekaliga Water Authority, Osceola County, and the City of Sanford due to a lack of standing. <br /><br />Also last week, Putnam County Environmental Council, Inc. filed a legal challenge to stop the St. Johns River Water Management District from issuing permits to Central Florida communities and utilities for withdrawals from the St. Johns and Ocklawaha. PCEC is contending that surface waters from the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha don't qualify as "alternative water supply" sources as defined by state law. They are also asking the Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission, that consists of the Governor and three Cabinet members, to review the District's water supply plan. <br /><br />Stay tuned. It just keeps getting more and more interesting.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-12955982817003926852008-06-08T10:05:00.003-05:002008-06-08T10:20:46.576-05:00No Water, No GrowthThe following editorial was in the May issue of <em><strong>Florida Trend</strong></em>. It seems most people,including those in the business community, recognize the importance and potential for water conservation as a principal water supply strategy. Unfortunately, many of the politicians in Central Florida and the St. Johns River Water Management District would rather roll the dice with the health of our rivers and spend billions of taxpayer dollars on expensive short-term technological "fixes" that don't address the sources of our water supply problems. <br /><br /><blockquote>No Water, No Growth<br />By Mark R. Howard, Editor - 5/1/2008<br /><br />However healthy Florida’s economy is or isn’t at the moment, it will cycle back into growth mode in fairly short order. The LeRoy Collins Institute, which in 2005 accurately predicted the revenue shortfall that’s currently pinching state and local governments in Florida, says as much in an updated version of its insightful “Tough Choices” report. In the new version, the institute sees “strong signs” that Florida is establishing itself as a chosen destination for an affluent segment of Baby Boomers that’s now reaching retirement age. And it predicts that the impact of the retiring Baby Boomers will sustain itself over 15 years, not flattening out until the early 2020s. <br /><br />After the real estate market adjusts, the report says, “Florida is going to have a big appreciation in property values ... and fresh demand for housing supply in the most desirable and limited locations.” And so within 18 months or so — my prediction, not the institute’s — we’re likely to see headlines shift from concerns about the state budget and the health of the economy back to traditional growth-related issues. <br /><br />In that light, some behind-the-scenes bureaucracy that’s playing out now will be a big factor in whether the state rides the next growth wave or is, once again, swamped by it. <br /><br />New Florida residents can get by without enough roads or schools, but they can’t live without water. In 2005, the Legislature linked growth management and water supply more closely with two pieces of legislation, Senate Bills 444 and 360, whose effects will be felt this summer. <br /><br />Together, the laws dictate that after water management districts determine how much water will be available in a region, communities must plan their growth around that water supply. Previous laws asked communities only to “consider” the water supply. Now, if a community says it expects 10,000 new residents next year, it has to specify exactly where the water for those new residents is going to come from, what facilities are available to treat the water and how it will pay for new treatment or production facilities (desal plants, for example). <br /><br />Since the laws passed, the water management districts have updated their water supply plans, and communities have been updating their comprehensive plans with new growth projections and passing them to the water districts for review. Some, like Lee and Collier counties, have been proactive and progressive in their planning, while others show less foresight. For most local communities, “the reality of it is starting to hit home,” says John Mulliken, director of water supply planning for the South Florida Water Management District. “We’ve got a lot of comp plans in. There’s a wide variety in terms of whether they meet the statutory requirements.” <br /><br />Over the next several months, as more comp plans trickle in, the water management districts will evaluate whether the communities are meeting the requirements of the law — and they’ll recommend whether the state should approve those local growth plans. There may be rude awakenings for communities that either are oblivious to the law or have chosen to ignore it. Under the law, a local community can’t approve a building permit or issue a certificate of occupancy without a determination that there’s an adequate supply of water to serve the new development. A worst-case scenario could see a building moratorium in a community that doesn’t get its act together. “The rubber starts to meet the road this summer,” says Carol Ann Wehle, SFWMD’s executive director. <br /><br />Aside from whether the Legislature resists diluting the law, a key issue is how communities will create additional water supply. Additional groundwater pumping in many parts of the state, particularly the south and southwest, isn’t an option. <br /><br />Many communities will be looking at creating alternative water sources — via reuse, desalination, treating brackish water and the like. They also need to make conservation a bigger priority. There’s an inherent bias in big organizations like water management districts toward expensive, technology-heavy solutions like desal without comparable investments in conservation, which is cheaper and faster. The state, meanwhile, puts a disproportionate amount of money into creating alternative supply vs. spending on conservation. <br /><br />Many believe conservation should get more emphasis. At least one group, the Utility Council of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association, supports making water conservation or demand-side management programs eligible for funding as alternative water supplies. David Moore, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, a leader in conservation efforts, told attendees at a water conference at the University of Florida in February that he believes “the biggest bite of the water-supply apple in the next 20 years is going to be conservation.” <br /><br />At the conference, Moore refuted the notion, advanced by another water manager, that you can’t “count” gallons created via conservation. Moore’s district has excellent statistics to that point, and to how effective conservation measures can be. Water use in Pinellas County, for example, fell from 153 gallons a day in 1990 to 89 gallons in 2006, largely the result of education and conservation measures. Meanwhile, as Trend reported last year, as construction of a giant desal plant on Tampa Bay dragged on for years, the regional water utility managed to reduce groundwater pumping in the region from 192 million to 121 million gallons a day in the face of a growing population — without any of the desalinated water that officials once insisted they needed to meet that goal. <br /><br />The state has plenty of room to conserve. Farms use half the water consumed in Florida; half the farms use inefficient flood irrigation. State-supported investments in micro-irrigation could help reduce ag’s consumption. As for overall use, although Florida has reduced its daily per capita usage from 174 gallons a day in 2000 to 157.5 in 2005, that’s still higher than the average daily U.S. per capita consumption of about 100 gallons. Europeans use about 53 a day. <br /><br />As Trend’s associate editor, Cynthia Barnett, makes clear in her book, “Mirage,” water supply planning needn’t be built on the premise that we have to have more and more water to prosper. Overall water use in the United States stopped rising in the 1980s, yet population as well as gross domestic product have grown steadily ever since. Saving a gallon of water is just as effective — and much, much cheaper — than producing a new one. All the numbers show that growth and conservation co-exist just fine. <br /><br /></blockquote>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-58065554949682757552008-06-07T22:20:00.011-05:002008-06-07T22:32:30.760-05:00And the winner of the PSA Contest is (drum roll, please)...<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SEtSr45hdeI/AAAAAAAAAIk/t7b2tElzSVA/s1600-h/PSA-Logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SEtSr45hdeI/AAAAAAAAAIk/t7b2tElzSVA/s400/PSA-Logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209348307945616866" /></a><br />We are excited to announce that our panel of judges (Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon, Deborah Gianoulis, and a Team Gaia representative) has selected the winner of the 1st ever St. Johns Riverkeeper "Conserving Water to Save Our Rivers" PSA Video Contest. Andy Leverett, a junior attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, received the highest score and the $1000 prize. Congratulations, Andy!<br /><br />We were extremely pleased with the number of entries (20), the number of counties from within the watershed that were represented (students from 5 different counties submitted entries), and the quality of the PSA videos. All of the students should be commended for their hard work and obvious concern for the St. Johns River and the future of our precious and limited water supply resources. <br /><br />One of the reasons that we created the contest was to to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving our water resources. We also wanted to give kids the chance to have their voices heard. Our youth often do not have a say in the decisions that are made about the future of the St. Johns River and the use of our groundwater supplies. However, they have as much at stake, if not more, regarding the outcome of those decisions, and they will be responsible for dealing with the consequences. <br /><br />Please, go to the St. Johns Riverkeeper website and see what our high school students have to say about this issue. You can view the winning video and 5 of the runner-ups. <a href="http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/conservation_psa_contest.asp"></a>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-43385410070872958532008-05-08T10:36:00.007-05:002009-07-27T15:11:09.286-05:00How Not To Be Sustainable<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SCMnM4MFzJI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/gUVLA_xdI9c/s1600-h/2060+growth.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SCMnM4MFzJI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/gUVLA_xdI9c/s400/2060+growth.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198041497110695058" /></a><br /><br />Recently, I spoke to a group of international environmental leaders visiting the United States through International Visitor Corps of Jacksonville. The theme of the multi-day visit was "Global Perspectives on Jacksonville's Sustainable Development." I put together a handout with the following statistics and facts about our water resources in Florida. <br /><br />I was already aware that we Floridans are not living and using our limited resources sustainably, but seeing the rundown of troubling statistics on one page highlighted the magnitude of the problem and the urgency of the situation. We are currently not doing a good job of protecting the health of our rivers, groundwater supplies, and environment, in general. How can we accomodate the intense growth that is projected, if we don't dramatically reduce our current impacts to the environment and develop a more sustainable blueprint for our future, now? <br /><br />This also highlights the fact that the debate over withdrawing water from the St. Johns River must be more about how we use our water resources than where we will get water from. We must focus on the reasons why communities are facing water shortages and looking to the river to fulfill their needs and work toward solving those problems, first. If we don't, we will continue to exploit our water resources and will continuously be in search of new sources. This business as usual approach to solving our water supply problems will also come at a huge expense to taxpayers and the citizens of this state. This is simply not a socially, ecologicially, or economically responsible approach to managing the natural resources that belong to all of us, as well as future generations. <br /><br />• Florida entered the Union as a state in 1845 with a population of 57,951 people.<br /><br />• In 1950, the population increased to 2.8 million. At this time, residents served by the public supply used 102 gallons of water per day, requiring public supply withdrawals of 170 million gallons a day (MGD). Total freshwater withdrawals totaled nearly 1.5 billion gallons per day.<br /><br />• In 1970, the population increased to 6.8 million, per capita water use from the public supply increased to 163 gpd, and total water withdrawals for the public supply increased to 883.4 MGD. Total freshwater withdrawals exceeded 5.6 billion gallons per day.<br /><br />• In 2000, 16 million people lived in Florida, the per-capita use increased to 174 gpd, and water withdrawals for the public supply increased to 2.2 billion gallons per day. Total water withdrawals in 2000 were nearly 8.2 billion gallons per day.<br /><br />• The average water use within the St. Johns River Water Management District in 2006 was 164 gallons per capita per day (gpcd, and over 50% of that water was used outside the home for irrigation purposes.<br /><br />• Today, over 18 million people reside in Florida. A 2006 report by 1000 Friends of Florida, projected Florida’s population to increase to 35.8 million in 2060. <br /> <br />• Over 90 percent of Florida’s population relies on groundwater for their drinking water needs. Most of this water comes from the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive sources of freshwater in the world. <br /><br />• Despite having such a vast and productive aquifer underneath our feet, we are reaching its limits. The St. Johns River Water Management District has directed municipalities and utilities in Central Florida to identify “Alternative Water Supply” (AWS) sources, because the rate of withdrawal from the aquifer is no longer sustainable. <br /><br />• Within the St. Johns River Water Management District, only 28% of estuaries, 41% of lakes, and 13% of streams met their designated uses in 2007.<br /><br />• Florida has approximately 10.5 million acres of wetlands, down from the 11 million acres of wetlands in 1980 and 20.3 acres of wetlands in 1780. <br /><br />• According to a St. Petersburg Times special report, Florida has lost at least 84,000 acres of wetlands since 1990.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-61423997306478422152008-04-16T22:22:00.008-05:002008-04-16T22:47:25.284-05:00St. Johns Receives National Attention<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SAbGMAb4VCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/YhCzkomjtyU/s1600-h/is+your+river+endangered.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/SAbGMAb4VCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/YhCzkomjtyU/s400/is+your+river+endangered.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190053530168742946" /></a><br /><em><strong></strong></em><strong>St. Johns Listed as One of <em>America’s Most Endangered Rivers</em>™</strong><br /><br />Today, American Rivers, the nation’s largest organization fighting for healthy rivers, named Florida’s St. Johns River as one of <strong><em>America’s Most Endangered Rivers™</em></strong>. The St. Johns was nominated by St. Johns Riverkeeper. <br /><br />The 2008 <strong><em>America’s Most Endangered Rivers™</em></strong> report highlights the 10 rivers in the United States that are facing the most uncertain future, rather than those suffering from the worst chronic problems. The St. Johns was selected because of Central Florida’s plans to remove over 260 million gallons per day from the St. Johns River system, and the threats that this will potentially pose to the river’s ecological health and the economic benefits that the St. Johns provides. <br /><br />“I don’t know whether to celebrate or cry”, said St. Johns Riverkeeper, Neil Armingeon. “This elevates the proposed water withdrawal issue to a national level and brings this to the attention of a worldwide media market. Florida’s lack of water planning is no longer a secret”, he added. <br /><br />When discussing the St. Johns River designation, Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers, stated, “No matter what the problem is, stealing is never an acceptable solution. Yet, instead of embracing water smart solutions like conservation and efficiency, Florida lawmakers seem set on sanctioning this river robbery. It really is unconscionable.”<br /><br />Sadly, the naming of the St. Johns River as one of <strong><em>America’s Most Endangered Rivers™</em></strong> corresponds with the 10th anniversary of the St. Johns being designated one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in 1998. St. Johns Riverkeeper, local governments, and numerous business and citizen groups believe that removing millions of gallons of water from the St. Johns before pursuing aggressive water conservation measures is irresponsible and short-sighted public policy that will potentially cause significant harm to one of this country’s American Heritage Rivers. <br /><br /><strong>About <em>America’s Most Endangered Rivers</em>™: </strong>Each year, American Rivers solicits nominations from thousands of river groups, environmental organizations, outdoor clubs, local governments, and taxpayer watchdogs for the <strong><em>America’s Most Endangered Rivers™</em></strong> report. The <em><strong>America’s Most Endangered Rivers™</strong></em> report results in thousands of supporters taking action on behalf of their beloved river. Such action produces immediate and tangible results. To see success stories visit www.americanrivers.org/MERSuccesses<br /><br />The full report is available at <a href="http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_MER">http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_MER</a><br /><br />St. Johns Riverkeeper is a non-profit grassroots organization that serves as an advocate for the St. Johns River and the communities that benefit from this tremendous resource. The Riverkeeper philosophy is rooted in a sense of public ownership of local water bodies. Our mission is to protect, preserve and restore the ecological integrity of the St. Johns River watershed for current users and future generations through advocacy and citizen action. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_MER">http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org</a>. <br /><br /><strong>2008 <em>AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS</em>™: </strong><br /><br />Catawba-Wateree River (North Carolina, South Carolina) <br />Rogue River (Oregon) <br />Cache La Poudre River (Colorado) <br />St. Lawrence River (NY & Canada) <br />Minnesota River (Minnesota) <br />St. Johns River (Florida) <br />Gila River (Arizona, New Mexico) <br />Allagash Wilderness Waterway (Maine) <br />Niobrara River (Wyoming, Nebraska) <br />Pearl River (Mississippi, Louisiana) <br /> <br /><em></em><em></em>St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-77899789493873002922008-04-05T16:09:00.004-05:002008-04-05T17:21:54.519-05:00Business As Usual?Recently, Governor Charlie Crist appointed 2 more people to the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). In case you don't know, the Governing Board is a group of politically appointed people who set the policies for the District and make the final decision on permit applications to impact wetlands and to use our groundwater (consumptive use permits - CUPs). <br /><br />The two appointees are Hans G. Tanzler III of Jacksonville and Douglas C. Bournique of Vero Beach. <br /><br />Tanzler, 56, is the son of former Jacksonville Mayor, Hans Tanzler, Jr., and is president of Marion Equities Inc., a family holding company. For some reason, the SJRWMD press release failed to mention that he is also president of Cypress Grove Farm that specializes in wetland tree species for wetland restoration and mitigation projects. <br /><br />Bournique has been the executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League for nearly 30 years and previously worked for the Florida Sugar Cane League.<br /><br />Previously, Crist appointed Arlen Jumper who has been the former director of the Florida Sod Growers Co-op, a Board member of the Florida Turfgrass Association and has served on the Florida Citrus Commission. For the last 14 years, Jumper has owned and managed the Jones Turf Grass Farm in McCoy.<br /><br />Hopefully, these gentlemen will all make decisions based on sound science and what is truly best for the St. Johns River. However, you have to question whether or not apparent conflicts of interest could compromise their ability to objectively perform their jobs, most specifically Jumper and Bournique. <br /><br />For one, Jumper's company, Jones Turf Grass Farm, has a permit from the SJRWMD to withdraw up to 200 million gallons of water a year from the Floridan aquifer to irrigate 660 acres of sod. Turfgrass, especially St. Augustine grass, is one of the primary reasons that we are using over 50% of our potable water outside the home to irrigate our lawns. Can Jumper make unbiased decisions regarding permits? Will he be willing to say no to permits that represent an excessive use of our groundwater for purposes that are not in the best interest of the public or the river?<br /><br />As a major player in the agricultural industry, the same questions must be asked of Bournique. In 2006, the agricultural industry used 670.1 million gallons of water a day (MGD) throughout the 18 counties in the SJRWMD. This amounts to more water used than the entire public supply (653.39 MGD). In Indian River county alone, 267.63 million gallons of water a day were used for agricultural purposes.<br /><br />I guess we have to give them the benefit of the doubt and allow them to prove themselves in these extremely important decision-making positions. However, we all need to scutinize their decisions and performance, along with every other member of the Governing Board. There is too much at stake (our water, our rivers and creeks, and our wetlands), and we simply cannot afford to continue with business as usual.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-57087832403066520192008-03-28T08:16:00.001-05:002009-07-27T15:09:12.152-05:00Opposition Is MountingWell, the opposition to the water withdrawal proposals in Central Florida is mounting. Here is a current list of all of the groups, organizations, and government entities that have passed resolutions opposing the drawdown. If you are a member of a civic/business group, please ask them to consider a resolution, as well. We will need significant support to stop these withdrawals from taking place. <br /><br /><strong>Governments/Agencies</strong><br /><br />City of Neptune Beach<br />Jacksonville Beach<br />Jacksonville<br />Keystone Heights<br />Atlantic Beach <br />Jacksonville Planning Commission<br />St. Johns County<br />Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board<br />Jacksonville Water and Sewer Expansion Authority <br />Jacksonville Waterways Commission<br />Town of Hastings <br />Town of Callahan<br />Nassau County<br />Clay County <br />Duval Soil and Water Conservation District<br /><br /><strong>Citizen Organizations</strong><br /><br />St. Johns Riverkeeper <br />Putnam County Environmental Council<br />Northeast Chapter of the Sierra Club <br />Clay Action Network<br />Turtle Coast Sierra Club <br />Jacksonville Civic Council, Inc.<br />Shrimp Producers Association<br />Central Florida Sierra Club <br />Polk Sierra Club <br />Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club <br />Florida Chapter Sierra Club <br />William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway Corridor Management Council<br />NW St. Johns County Community Coalition<br />Beaches Watch<br />St. Johns County Roundtable<br />Greater Arlington & Beaches CPAC <br />South Anastasia Community Association <br />Environmental Youth Council <br />Save Our Lakes <br />Greater Arlington Civic Council<br />Mandarin Community Club<br />Duval County Democratic Executive Committee<br />Santa Fe Lake Dwellers <br />North East Florida Association of Realtors <br />Clay County Chamber of Commerce <br />Florida Lure Anglers<br />Southside Businessmen’s Club<br />Democratic Women’s Information NetworkSt. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4036541886520991397.post-68811836205399071552008-03-26T09:25:00.005-05:002008-03-26T09:43:33.151-05:003rd Annual River Celebration Day<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/R-pf-QE8KXI/AAAAAAAAAH4/vYCMY-weJPM/s1600-h/shorty+in+front+of+museum.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/R-pf-QE8KXI/AAAAAAAAAH4/vYCMY-weJPM/s400/shorty+in+front+of+museum.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182059844315392370" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/R-pfQwE8KVI/AAAAAAAAAHo/iMjAuVEzkiQ/s1600-h/River+Celebration+Day+-+kayaking.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_v83HpRRjrvY/R-pfQwE8KVI/AAAAAAAAAHo/iMjAuVEzkiQ/s400/River+Celebration+Day+-+kayaking.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182059062631344466" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>3rd Annual River Celebration Day </strong></em><br /><strong>Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. </strong><br />Walter Jones Historical Park<br />11964 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville <br /><br />Join St. Johns Riverkeeper and Mandarin Museum and Historical Society for a celebration of the St. Johns River.<br /><br />Music by Ashley Gang and Palm Valley String Band, storytellers and re-enactors, ecology programs, games and activities for kids, boat rides on the river, and free kayaking provided by Black Creek Outfitters. Food will also be available during the event. Historical tours will be provided of the museum and park throughout the day.<br /><br />Kayak/Run Biathlon<br /><strong>7:30 am – 9:30am</strong><br /><br />Free kayaking provided by Black Creek Outfitters<br /><strong>11am – 3pm</strong> <br /><br />Boat Trips – 45 minutes each on the hour<br /><strong>11am – 3pm</strong><br /><br />Nature program <br /><strong>11am - Noon & 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm</strong><br /><br />Ashley Gang Band <br /><strong>11am - 1:15pm</strong><br /><br />The Storytelling Sims <br /><strong>Noon – 12:30 pm & 1:30 – 2:00 pm</strong><br /><br /> Palm Valley String Band <br /><strong>1:30 pm – 3:45 pm</strong><br /><br /> Native Plant Workshop <br /><strong>3pm</strong> <br /><br />For more information, call 904-268-0784.St. Johns Riverkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138901319236625261noreply@blogger.com1